TNAG-2591-FCO40-3779-Appointment-of-Chris-Patten-as-new-Governor-of-Hong-Kong--Ap-1992 — Page 107

April 1992

The Rt Hon Gerald Kaufman MP

House of Commons

Thank you for your letter of 21 April about the Governorship of Hong Kong.

I do indeed agree that the appointment of a new

Governor is an important matter. We decided to wait until after the election before making an appointment, so that the

new Governor would be seen to have the full support of the

new Government.

I know that an announcement is now keenly awaited. We

have of course taken careful note of the views expressed in

Hong Kong. The Prime Minister and I have discussed this with senior members of Hong Kong's Executive and Legislative

Councils.

We intend to appoint someone with the leadership and

administrative qualities required to nurture Hong Kong's political development and economic success in the years ahead. The Governorship is not a reward or a consolation prize. It is a serious job, and we are giving serious

consideration to making the right appointment.

Douglas Hurd

MANAIR/1